Method and apparatus for forming a visible image in space

ABSTRACT

A device that creates visible light in space comprises of a light source and optics system that result in irradiated visible spectrum light rays with a low intensity such that the light is not visible by the normal observer. Multiple rays of visible-spectrum low-intensity non-visible light intersect. When the constructive intensity of the intersecting light is above the threshold for being visible then light appears at that place. The light rays to and from the visible light remain non-visible. The addition of irradiated visible light results in additional visual effects. The visible light can be moved in space, and form multi-dimensional images and holograms. User and programmable controls, with communication abilities and data storage, can mediate the light source and optics to control the visible image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 61/860,087, entitled “device for forming a visible image inspace” filed on 30 Jul. 2013, the entire contents and substance of whichare hereby incorporated in total by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of lighting. Moreparticularly, the present invention is in the technical field ofcreating visible light in a particular place. More particularly, thepresent invention is in the technical field of creatingmulti-dimensional images with light. More particularly, the presentinvention is in the technical field of creating moving images withlight. More particularly, the present invention is in the technicalfield of creating moving multi-dimensional images with light.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional devices for creating light in space, or images in spacesometimes referred to as holograms, typically create a visible image inlight as well as visible scanning lines or other visible image creationartifacts, or they use lasers outside of the visible spectrum withsufficient power to create visible plasma from the viewing medium suchas air or water. Being able to see the visible light used to create thevisible image can detract from the image, and high powered light sourcescan be dangerous for observers.

Light appearing in space, some holograms, and disembodied lighting maybe described as visible lighting in one place that is spatially and orvisibly disconnected from the lighting device.

Light bulbs from the incandescing type (223,898, Jan. 27, 1880, T AEdison) to the recent LED type (U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,528, May 14, 2013, RJ Lenk et al) create visible light. Many do so with sufficientbrightness to illuminate rooms, they may be safely handled andmaintained by homeowners, and they convert energy into light withincreasing efficiency as technologies develop. One common feature ofsuch light sources is that the mechanism of the light source is at thesame place of the visible light, that is to say the visible lightappears to emanate from inside of the light bulb. This is a shortcomingwhen disembodied lighting is desired.

A traditional mounting place for a light bulb in the home is the ceilingmount, where a chord hangs from the ceiling and the light source is highin the room. When disembodied lighting is desired, one shortcoming ofsuch a light source is that there is a visible supporting mechanismconnecting the light source to the ceiling.

Lamps such as angle-poise lights (U.S. Pat. No. 2,090,439, Aug. 17,1937, G Carwardine) have a light source at the end of a movable stand orframe allowing the light source to be moved in two or three dimensions.When disembodied lighting is desired one shortcoming of such lightsources is that there is a visible supporting mechanism connecting thelight source to the floor or desk or some other mounting surface.

Lasers (U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,894, Jan. 31, 2012, K Mori et al) can createvisible light that can be shone in beams to present visible images anddata. A laser beam can be shone at a target surface such as a wallcreating a spot of light on the target surface. With the usual amount ofdust and particles in normal air, in the absence of bright light such assunlight, a laser beam can be seen as a straight line of light from thelaser source to the wall, at least that is the perception to a humanobserver. The reflected light on the wall is usually brighter than thelight reflected along the beam by the particles. One shortcoming of suchlight is that both the target light is visible and the beam or scanningbeams of light are visible. In some settings such as a night club orlive music concert the visible scanning beams of a laser are used as alighting effect and are intended to be seen.

There are lighting devices that draw visible images in a screen or wallby scanning a laser beam, the scanning is in one or two or threedimensions. Visible images are created by devices that form a screen inthe air using smoke and shine a scanned laser beam onto this screenforming a visible image. The visible image can be just light, or berendered as information such as words or graphic images. One shortcomingof such light is that both the target is visible and the beam orscanning beams of light are visible.

Scanning and focusing light and lasers is well understood and found ineveryday items such as focusable flash lights, television screens, videoprojectors, cinema projectors, pen-light lasers, night club lightingincluding scanning pattern generating lasers, as well as in devices toposition light in air (U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,485, Aug. 3, 2010, Momiuchiet al).

The presentation of partial and still images shown in time sequence togive the impression of a moving image to an observer is well know,including the flick book (British Patent 925, Mar. 18 1868, JohnLinnett; US 259,960, Jun. 20, 1882, Henry Van Hoevenbergh), film andcinema (589,168, Aug. 31, 1897, Thomas Edison), television (U.S. Pat.No. 2,133,123, Oct. 11, 1938, Kaunan Tihanyi), and computer displays.All of these devices use, to some extent, the human eye and visualsystems ability to see and perceive sequences of still images ascontinuous moving images.

In a cathode ray tube television set an electron beam is fired, scanned,and aimed at a target surface coated with a suitable substance such asphosphor. The electron beam is not visible by a human observer, but thephosphor that absorbs the electron beam energy converts some of thatenergy to visible light. One shortcoming of such light sources is thatthe target surface must be made of a material that can convert aninvisible source of electrons and associated energy into visible light.Another shortcoming of such light sources is that the target surfaceitself tends to be fairly opaque.

A photographic reflection hologram (U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,370, May 142013, S Martin et al) can render a three dimensional view of a scenewhen illuminated. One shortcoming of such a three dimensional opticalimage is that the image is stationary; it is a still photograph or aseries of still photographs, and only gives the illusion of being athree dimensional image.

The illusion of a three dimensional image is created 3D televisions and3D cinema marketed in 2013. These and similar systems send differentimages to each eye. In the minds-eye the image is 3-dimentional, and issometimes referred to as “coming out of the screen”. One shortcoming ofsuch systems is that they require special glasses or headsets or per-eyeimage manipulation devices to be worn near the eyes, such as 3D glasses.When the image manipulation component is removed, say the 3D glasses aretaken off, the viewer finds the image is not really in 3D. Lenticulardisplays use two images, one for each eye, but do not require special 3Dglasses. One shortcoming of 3D displays that use 3D glasses and oflenticular displays is that the three dimensional image is an illusionin the minds-eye and the image is not really in three dimensions and isnot separate from the viewing medium or image creation device.

A computer generated hologram (U.S. Pat. No. 8,451,428, May 28, 2013, IMatsubara) can render an image using multiple polarizations of lightprojected into a medium with multiple substrates that are differentlysensitive to specific polarizations of light. One shortcoming of such avisible image is the complex nature of the viewing medium, anothershortcoming is the complex nature of the optics.

A laser beam or other visible light in the visible spectrum can be usedto draw a visible image in air or on a screen or to illuminate ahologram. One shortcoming of this is that the scanning locus of thelaser beam or light is visible and seen drawing the image as well as theimage itself being visible. Another shortcoming of this is when screensare made visible as well as the image.

Using a light source, analogue and digital imaging, optics and acomputer controlled DLP micro mirror projector, a still image orcomputer screen image or video image can be projected, usually onto aflat viewing area. Such video projectors are commonplace in cinemas andoffices, as well as homes and “home cinema.”Using a light source,analogue and digital imaging, optics and a computer controlled DLP micromirror projector (U.S. Pat. No. 7,926,951, Apr. 19 2011, R J Bietry etal) a holographic image can be rendered (Optical Society of America, 10Mar. 2003, Vol. 11, No 5, Optics Express 437. M L Huebschman et al). Oneshortcoming of such a system is that the holographic image is renderedon a flat surface, for example the three dimensional image can be viewedin either the micro mirror itself or in a sheet of glass.

In a dimly lit room, with the normal amount of dust motes in the air,two laser pointers (U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,790, Jul. 5, 2011, C L Hung etal) may be oriented so that their laser beams cross. Two beams of lightwould be seen that came from the lasers, crossed at a point that appearsbrighter than the beam, and then the beams carry on in their originaldirection. For lighting a particular place where the beams cross, oneshortcoming of such a system is that the laser beam is visible to thatpoint and past that point.

A system exists for drawing two-dimensional and three-dimensionalvisible images using scanned and focused laser light tuned to illicitplasma from the air. The plasma is visible while the laser light is notin the visible spectrum and this creates a visible flash of lightpositioned in space (U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,485, Aug. 3, 2010, Momiuchi etal; U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,995, May 19, 2009, Momiuchi et al). The laserlight can be made invisible to a human observer by being in theinfra-red color spectrum for example, a color that is not visible to ahuman observer. One shortcoming of such a system is that an “impactnoise is generated” when creating plasma. Another shortcoming of such asystem is that plasma has to be created from the viewing medium such asair or water. Another shortcoming of such a system is that the laserlight source is relatively high powered, requiring sufficient power tocreate plasma from air or water. Another shortcoming of such a system isthat infrared lasers and lasers with power capable to create plasma fromair pose inherent safety risks for nearby observers.

The human eye sees visible light. The eye has varying sensitivity todifferent colors of light. Specifically there are components in the eyecalled “cones” that are differently sensitive to red, green and bluelight. Schubert describes the “eye sensitivity function” in terms oflight color (wavelength), with the eye being increasingly sensitive toviolet (around 400 to 450 nm wavelength), blue (around 475 nmwavelength), cyan (around 500 nm wavelength), then maximally sensitiveto green (around 520 to 570 nm wavelength). After green the eye isdecreasingly sensitive to yellow (around 570 to 600 nm wavelength),orange (around 600 to 620 nm wavelength), and red light (620 to 750 nmwavelength). This makes up the visible spectrum of light for humans;(“Light Emitting Diodes”, Second edition, by E. F. Schubert. CambridgeUniversity Press, 2006.) The approximate vision range for humans isdescribed by Schubert in terms of {no moon, moonlight, twilight, storeor office, and sunny outdoors}. At night in low ambient light humans use“Scotopic vision”, with luminance levels from 1E-6 to <0.003 cd/m², “thesense of color is essentially lost in the scotopic vision regime”. Inmoonlight to twilight humans use “Mesopic vision”, with luminance levelsfrom 0.003 to 3 cd/m². In high ambient light humans use “photopicvision”, with luminance levels from 3 to 1E6 cd/m². (“Light EmittingDiodes”, Second edition, by E. F. Schubert. Cambridge University Press,2006.)

Many devices that use light that is not intended to be seen by humansuse light in the non-visible spectrum, such as infrared light fortelevision remote control units, “invisible” security lighting that cannot be seen by humans but can be sensed by specially tuned cameras, andnon-visible lasers for creating visible plasma (U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,485,Aug. 3, 2010, Momiuchi et al).

The scientific understanding that visible colors can be created bycombining other colors is long established and well understood since theintroduction of the color wheel (“Opticks”, 1706, Sir Isaac Newton).

With readily available consumer devices such as mobile phones, printers,computer displays, televisions and video projectors; digital images canbe rendered in vivid colors close to the original color, in focus, andin great clarity and detail. However it is also common to applyartifacts to these clean images such as visual effects, and artifactsthat are culturally and historically understood such as adding visualaspects found in film photography. Culturally and historicallyunderstood visual artifacts include making a color digital image lookold-fashioned by changing from color to sepia-tone, reduced color orsaturating color, or adding scratches and dust. Such effects arecommonly applied to still and moving image. The mobile phone application“Instagram” (Facebook Inc, California, USA) performs such imagemanipulations and has over 130 million users applying their imagefilters to over 45 million photos and movies per day (Statistics fromInstagram on Jul. 5, 2013).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The nature of the present invention relates generally to a method andapparatus for forming an image. More specifically, the present inventionis a method and device for forming a visible light which can rendervisible images such as still or moving patterns, colors, words, andpictures, etc, in one-dimension or multiple-dimensions in space and overtime. The device solves the problem of safely creating genuinemulti-dimensional images in space, without necessarily visible scanningand image creation artifacts.

Briefly described, the invention comprises of a device that operates bycreating multiple rays of light that are in the visible spectrum with alow intensity such that the light is not visible by a normal observer.Rays of low-intensity non-visible light intersect. When the constructiveintensity of the intersecting light is above the threshold for beingvisible by an observer the light appears. The light rays to and from thevisible light remain non-visible. By moving the light ray intersectionpoints patterns and moving images can be made of light in space.

The device operation may include controls and sensors that can calibratethe visible and non visible light. Together with data communications andstorage the device can render image data, with audio, tactile and othersensory modalities, modifying the output depending on user controls andsensor observations.

The purpose of the device is to create lighting effects and visualimages in space sometimes referred to as holograms. An advantage of thedevice is that a visible image in space can be created safely, withoutrequiring visible scanning lines and image creation artifacts associatedwith visible light sources. The device may work in concert with othersimilar devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible light inspace of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images in space of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images in space of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images in a controlled viewing medium of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images in space of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images in space using a device with a display of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images of varying colors in space of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a device for forming visible static andmoving images of varying colors in space of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a solution to creating visible light inspace without requiring scanning or other visible image creationartifacts, creating one-dimensional and multi-dimensional images,lighting effects, image sequences and holograms. The light from thedevice can be at a low power, with the associated safety benefits fornearby observers of low power light, thus being suitable for consumeruse and home use as well as artistic, professional, scientific,educational, military, medical, and other uses. The creation of thevisible light does not cause any sound per se.

The present invention combines an understanding of the physicsproperties of light, the physical, scientific, and technical propertiesof components that comprise of the device, together with thephysiological and biological responses of the human eye and human visualperception.

The light experienced in everyday life is visible spectrum light. Weexpect to see visible spectrum light, and it is somewhat counterintuitive that there is visible-spectrum light that is not visible. Thecolor of light is determined by the frequency. The visibility of lightis determined by the frequency and by the intensity. The eye can onlyperceive rays of light that have sufficient intensity. Low intensitylight, even in the visible spectrum, cannot be seen. Visible spectrumlight beams that are not visible to the observer may have intensitiesthat vary depending on the ambient light level or the observer's visionsystem. In a well lit environment when the observer is using photopicvision light beams with an intensity level of less than 3cd/m² are notvisible. While the observer is using mesopic vision and the ambientlight intensity is over 0.003cd/m² light beams with an intensity levelthat is less than 0.003cd/m2 are not visible. In the dark when theobserver is using scoptic vision light beams with an intensity of lessthan 1E-6cd/m² are not visible. Because all observers are not identical,the intensity values of non visible light are not exactly the same forall observers but are better described by statistical distributions.

The visible spectrum of light for humans has a wavelength of around 380to 740 nm. For each vision system, the human eye has differentvisibility-intensity thresholds for different colors. Different humanobservers will have slightly different visibility-intensity thresholds.For a group of random adult observers with fully developed eye sight,for each vision system there will be an intensity-visibility-thresholdfor a specific color (frequency) whereby 65% of the observers can-notsee the light if the intensity is at or below this value, this is the65%-intensity-visibility-threshold-for-frequency-f. There will be alower intensity threshold whereby 95% of the observers can-not see thelight if the intensity is at or below this95%-intensity-visibility-threshold-for-frequency-f. By varying theintensity of the visible wavelength light is it possible to set theintensity so that all human observers with normal healthy eyesight cansee the light, down through 65% not being able to see it, down to 95%,down to 99% of observers not being able to perceive the light, and soforth. Some light sensors, cameras, and animals may detect the presenceof a low intensity light when a human observer does not.

For convenience the human observer is frequently referred to, while theinvention is not limited to human observers. When the intended observersare human the visible spectrum has a range of about 380 to 740 nm. Whenthe intended observers are animals use the visible light spectrum andintensity-visibility-threshold of those animals. Some insects and birdsfor example can see light in the ultraviolet spectrum of 300 to 400 nm.When the intended observers are light sensors such as cameras then usethe visible light spectrum and intensity-visibility-threshold of thelight sensor. This allows for the visual effect of the invention that ahuman can see first hand being photographed or filmed.

The present invention uses light that is in the human visible spectrumwith an intensity that is not visible by the human eye of an observer.Two rays of light or more are used, from one or more light sources,where the light is in the visible spectrum with an intensity that is notvisible by observer. Visible light may also be present. The optics arealigned so that there is at least one place where more than one of theserays of light intersect. Light intensity is constructive, and when theconstructive intensity of the light is above the threshold for beingvisible for an observer, the light appears at that place. The lightbeams to and from the visible light remain non-visible. This device canplace visible light in one-dimension and multi-dimensional locations,creating visible light quietly, with low power requirements, in a widerange of visible colors, and thus project light, patterns, images anddata in light in one-dimension and multiple-dimensions. The presentinvention can use rays of non-visible light and rays of visible light,to have at the intersections a visible light image that is brighter thanthe rest of the visible rays of light, and or of a different color tothe originating visible ray of light.

Creating a visible image in space without visible scanning lines orother artifacts may produce a clean visual image in space. There aresome culturally and historically understood visual artifacts associatedwith holographic images, largely set by the film industry wherefilmmakers use visual effects to illustrate what a hologram might looklike. Such culturally and historically understood visual artifactsinclude some visible scan lines surrounding the subject image.

If the desired impression for an observer is an image in light in spacewith visible scan lines or artifacts then those artifacts can beintroduced. For example, the widely known hologram scene in the movieStar Wars (George Lucas, 1977) has an image in light of the characterPrincess Leia together with some visible scanning or image creationlines. This is a visual special effect in the film where the directorimagined what a three dimensional image in space would look like. Manypeople have been influenced by this film and have expectations that ahologram will look like this, also when many people see an image thatlooks like this they recognize it as a hologram. Another instantlyrecognizable light in space is the “light saber”. In the widely knownlight saber training scene in the movie Star Wars (George Lucas, 1977)the character Luke Skywalker moves a line of light that starts at ahandle, projects about lm in a straight line, and then just stops. Thereis a swooshing and buzzing sound related to the movement of the light.The light saber (a bar of light) is a visual effect in the film wherethe director imagined what a sword made of light would look and soundlike. A bar of light can not be made with a laser light say, becausevisible laser light would be visible for the first meter as desired, andthen continue to be visible as it continued into the distance, thevisible laser light does not just stop after a set distance. Thisinvention can create light in specific places in space withoutcontinuous lines of light to and from those places, thus enabling actualvisual effects that are similar to these movie special effects.

While it is possible to construct an embodiment of this inventionwithout programmable or software-executing components, like many modernelectronics devices this invention would normally be programmable. Beingprogrammable bestows advantages such as construction using commonelectronics components, updating software in order to fix problems, andupdating software to improve and increase product operation andfeatures.

In a first aspect of the invention, a visible light formation device isdisclosed that comprises of a light source and optics system that resultin visible spectrum light with a low intensity such that the light isnot visible by a normal observer. Multiple rays of visible spectrumlow-intensity non-visible light intersect. When the constructiveintensity of the intersecting light is above the threshold for beingvisible then light appears at that place. The light rays to and from thevisible light remain non-visible. The addition of visible light resultsin additional visual effects. When the observer is using photopic visionlight rays with an intensity level of less than 3cd/m² are not visible.While the observer is using mesopic vision and the ambient lightintensity is over 0.003cd/m² light rays with an intensity level that isless than 0.003cd/m2 are not visible. This is the core of the inventionusing the combination of the observer's physiology and the constructiveintensity physics of low-intensity non-visible visible-spectrum light ina system that creates observable light to appear in space.

In the first aspect there may be and a plurality of internal and usercontrols operative to adjust aspects of the light source and the opticssystem such that the controls are structured to adjust the intensity andfrequency of the rays of light. With the introduction of control, thedevice can be used in more technically sophisticated ways.

In a second aspect of the invention, the light source and or the opticssystem are operative to generate multiple and or adjustablefrequencies/colors of light; and sub light sources can act as a compoundlight source. Further, the optics system comprises of at least one of: acombination of lenses, filters, scanning mechanisms, mirrors,oscillating mirrors, rotating shaped mirrors, and micro-machines, andDLP micro mirror projectors. The optics may be capable of reducing theintensity of visible light so that is it not visible. For example in alit room, a 5 mW (max) 650 nm wavelength red class Ma laser may have itsbeam intensity reduced using a sequence of 5 neutral density filters ofdensity rating 2 (1F-stop, 50% transmittance), 8 (3F-stops, 12.6%transmittance), 8, 8, and 2. Still further, the optics system comprisesof at least one of: a plurality of analog components; a plurality ofdigital components. Suitable light sources include one or more lightbulbs, light emitting diodes, lasers, electroluminescent material, andthe display of a computing device. Light sources such as flames andplasma are possible to use; while perhaps less practical such lightsources may be desirable if making the device in the steam-punk genre.

In the second aspect, the light source and optics system operatetogether to create a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional visible image,where the image may be fixed or moved, animated or sequenced. Again, inthe second aspect, the non-visible rays of light are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is not visible to the observer, and asuitable viewing medium comprises of at least one of: normal air, airwith dust motes, air with added particulates, smoke, gas or liquid, gasor liquid with added particulates, and agitated gas or liquid. Further,the optics system is structured to mediate aspects of path, focus andother optical properties of light.

In the second aspect, the device may further include an array ofstructured replica and non replica light sources and optics and controlsthat are in different locations that together form a visible image. Thedevice, which is capable of operating independently, may operate andcreate visible images with other similar devices in concert. In thesecond aspect, the device may further comprise of a data communicationsection and image data, wherein the control system is operative tocontrol the light source and optics system and send control signals andreceive feedback signals. The control system may calibrate aspects ofthe system including the optics, the light source, and the visiblelight. Outputs may include a buzzer, a speaker for audible output, avibrator for tactile output, a visual display, a tactile display, a datachannel for data output, and an audio channel for audio data output. Thevisible image may be automatically adjusted based upon situation, saythe time of day, or by varying inputs such as sensor values and theother outputs may also be automatically adjusted. For example anapplication may make sounds and change the intensity and frequency/colorof the light as the device is handled and moved; and another applicationmy make visible light to serve as a clock or alarm.

In the second aspect, the data communication section is operative toallow the control system to communicate with other devices connectedthrough at least one of a wired connection or a wireless connection, andinternet protocols and standards such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Alliance, Austin,USA). The other devices may include other visible image forming devices,remote control devices such as applications running on smart phones, anddevices that can mediate the viewing medium. The device may also includesensors. The sensors may comprise of at least one of: digital, analogue,motion, orientation, acceleration, light, radiation, magnetic,electromagnetic, sound, contact, humidity, pressure, olfactory, andcapacitive sensors. Further, the sensors may be structured for remotesensing and wireless sensing.

In the second aspect, the controller may be a general computing device,and may have a programmable component. The control system may be acomputing device that can operate independently of the device, such as aprogrammable smart-phone, tablet computer, or computer. The controlsystem can store and retrieve data, such as image data or movie data,and may be able to accept memory media such as memory cards and sticks.

In the second aspect, the visible and non-visible light intensities aretuned for the observer, who may be human, or may be an animal, or alight sensor for example in a camera or vision system. In a third aspectof the invention, a separate computing device with its own display isused as the control system and the light source. The optics system isplaced over the computing device display. Software runs on the computingdevice that is aware of the capabilities of the computing device and theoptical properties of the optics system. The computing device, controlsoftware, and optics system together create non-visible rays of lightthat are in the visible spectrum at an intensity that is not visible toan observer. The optics system causes rays of light to intersect. Whenthe constructive intensity of the intersecting light is above thethreshold for being visible then light appears at that place. The lightrays to and from the visible light remain non-visible. The addition ofvisible light results in additional visual effects. The control systemsoftware on the computing device may include a plurality of internal anduser controls operative to adjust aspects of the light source such asthe intensity and frequency of the rays of light.

In a fourth aspect, the device can form still images and animated/movingimages. Using visible and non visible rays of light the device may causevisible light rays of one color to be a different color or intensity atthe intersection points.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 1 there is shown a devicefor creating visible light in space 22, having a visible light 10 andmultiple rays of non-visible light 16 intersecting in a viewing medium18. The lighting device 22 consists of optics 12 and a light source 14,and user controls 20.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1 the visiblelight 10 is located in a suitable viewing medium 18 such as normal airand dust motes. The non-visible rays of light 16 are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is not visible to the normal observer.When sufficient non-visible intensity light rays combine theconstructive nature of light intensity result in light of an intensitythat it is visible, 10. The light source 14 creates light which may beat a non-visible intensity and—or at a visible intensity. The light rays16 leaving the optics 12 are at a non-visible intensity and additionalvisible light may also be present. User controls 20 can adjust aspectsof the light source 14 and optics 12, for example adjust the intensityof specific colors of light of the light rays 16. The light source 14and optics 12 may generate multiple colors of light by the mediation ofthe light source 14 for example by adjusting the frequency or adjustingthe combination of sub light sources in a compound light source, and—orby adjusting the optics 12, for example by using filters.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1 aconvenient light source 14 may be one or more lasers which are availableat sizes less than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse width of say 50ns or less, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3. The optics12 mediate aspects of path, focus, and other optical properties of thelight. These may be combinations of lenses and filters or micro machinessuch as DLP micro mirror projectors similar to those used in videoprojectors, or use a scanning mechanism such as an oscillating mirrorand a rotating shaped mirror. The viewing medium 18 should be of a sizesuitable for the visible light image 10. Normal air containing naturallyoccurring dust motes may be sufficient, although other natural andartificially created viewing mediums may be used.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 are thatthe light source 14 is made from LEDs or lasers or other lighting devicematerials such as light bulbs, and the optics 12 can be any suitableoptics components and materials such as glass, plastics, or mirroredmaterial or micro machines with mounting or integrated materials forcontrolling the movement and positioning of the light rays 16. A simpleconstruction has the components fixed such that the relative position ofthe visible light 10 is fixed with respect to the position of the device22. More sophisticated construction involves movement of the visiblelight 10 for example by means such as mechanical, micro-mechanical,and—or electronically controlled where the light source 14 and—or optics12 adjust so that the relative position of the visible light 10 can bechanged with respect to the position of the device 22. The distancebetween the optics 12 and the visible light 10 is dependent on theapplication of the device. For example the distance between the optics12 and the visible light 10 may be anything from 0 mm though is expectedto be in the region of 10 cm for desktop use, 50 cm when the opticsproject the visible light 10 to near a table or near a floor, 1 to 5 mwhen the optics project the visible light 10 inside a small room. Theviewing medium 18 might be normal air with a normal amount of dust motesin it. It may also be any medium that creates reflective particles suchas smoke or other particles in Brownian motion, or a clear or semi clearsubstance with or without particles in suspension such that an observercan see the visible light 10. Referring now to the invention shown inFIG. 2 there is shown a device for creating a visible light in space 62,having a visible light 50, and multiple rays of non-visible light 56intersecting in a viewing medium 58. The lighting device consists ofoptics 52 and a light source 54, and user controls 60. Through themovement of the visible light 50 an observer perceives a visible image64.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 2 the visiblelight 50 is located in a suitable viewing medium 58 such as normal airand dust motes. Through control of the light source 54 and optics 52 thevisible light 50 is moved in succession to create the two dimensionalvisible image 64 perceived by an observer. The non-visible rays of light56 are in the visible spectrum at an intensity that is not visible tothe observer. When sufficient non-visible intensity light rays combinethe constructive nature of light intensity result in light of anintensity that it is visible, 50. The light source 54 creates lightwhich may be at a non-visible intensity and—or at a visible intensity.The light rays 66 leaving the optics 52 are at a non-visible intensityand additional visible light may also be present. User controls 60 canadjust aspects of the light source 54 and optics 52, for example adjustthe intensity of specific colors of light of the light rays 56, and thesequence of intersection points of the light rays 64. The light source54 and optics 52 may generate multiple colors of light by the mediationof the light source 44 for example by adjusting the frequency oradjusting the combination of sub light sources in a compound lightsource, and—or by adjusting the optics 52, for example by using filters.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 2 aconvenient light source 54 may be a laser which are available at sizesless than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse width of say 50 ns orless, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3. The optics 52mediate aspects of path, focus, and other optical properties of thelight. These may be combinations of lenses and filters or micro machinessuch as DLP micro mirror projectors similar to those used in videoprojectors, or use a scanning mechanism such as an oscillating mirrorand a rotating shaped mirror. The viewing medium 58 should be of a sizesuitable for the visible light image 50 and 62. Normal air containingnaturally occurring dust motes may be sufficient, although other naturaland artificially created viewing mediums may be used.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 2 are thatthe light source 54 is made from LEDs or lasers or other lighting devicematerials such as light bulbs, and the optics 52 can be any suitableoptics components and materials such as glass, plastics, or mirroredmaterial or micro machines with mounting or integrated materials forcontrolling the movement and positioning of the light rays 56. A simpleconstruction has movement of the visible light 50 for example by meanssuch as mechanical, micro-mechanical, or electronically controlled wherethe light source 54 and—or optics 52 adjust so that the relativeposition of the visible light 50 can be changed with respect to theposition of the device 62. If the relative position of the visible light50 is fixed with respect to the position of the device 62 then thevisible light 50 may still move if the entire device 62 is moved, forexample picked up and moved around by hand. The distance between theoptics 52 and the visible light 50 is dependent on the application ofthe device. For example the distance between the optics 52 and thevisible light 50 may be anything from 0 mm though the path of visiblelight is expected to be in the region of 0.1 mm to 1 m for some handheld use, 10 cm for desktop use, 50 cm when the optics project thevisible light 50 to near a table or near a floor, 1 to 5 m when theoptics project the visible light 50 inside a small room. The viewingmedium 58 might be normal air with a normal amount of dust motes in it.It may also be any medium that creates reflective particles such assmoke or other particles in Brownian motion, or a clear or semi clearsubstance with or without particles in suspension such that an observercan see the visible light 50 and 64. One example of a pattern of light64 that can be perceived by an observer is through the positioning ofthe visible light 50 such that the perceived image 64 is a straight lineof light with a fixed length of about 1 m.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 3 there is shown a devicefor creating light in space 116 with visible light 100 and multiple raysof non-visible light 110 in a viewing medium 112. The device consists ofoptics 102 and a light source 104, with a controller 106, user controls114, sensors and outputs 118, a data communication connection 120, andimage data 108.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3 the visiblelight 100 is located in a suitable viewing medium 112 such as normal airand dust motes. The non-visible rays of light 110 are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is not visible to the normal observer.When sufficient non-visible intensity light rays combine theconstructive nature of light intensity result in light of an intensitythat it is visible, 100. The light source 104 creates light which may beat a non-visible intensity and—or at a visible intensity. The light rays110 leaving the optics 102 are at a non-visible intensity and additionalvisible light may also be present. The controller 106 controls the lightsource 104 and optics 102. The controller 106 can send control signalsand receive feedback signals. Sensors and outputs 118 can send data tothe controller and respond to data from the controller. Image data 108can be input to the controller 106. User controls 114 can adjust aspectsof the light source 104 and optics 102, for example adjust the intensityof specific colors of light of the light rays 110. The light source 104and optics 102 may generate multiple colors of light by the mediation ofthe light source 104 for example by adjusting the frequency or adjustingthe combination of sub light sources in a compound light source, and—orby adjusting the optics 12, for example by using filters.

Outputs 118 may include a buzzer or speaker for audio output, or avibrator for tactile output. Sensors 118 may send data to the controllerabout the visible light 100, the light rays 110, the viewing medium 112,the motion of the device 116, and other aspects that are detectable bysensor, so that the controller 106 can account for that data and respondto that data, for example by making sounds as the device 116 moves, oradjusting properties of the optics 102, or calibrating the optics 102,or adjusting properties of the light source 104, or calibrating thelight sources 104. A data communication connection 120 can allow thecontroller 106 to communicate with other devices, for example via wiredor wireless connection using Internet protocols such as “Wi-Fi” (Wi-FiAlliance, Austin, USA). The data communication connection 120 allows,for example, communicating of the status and performance of the device116 and its components, receiving and accessing image data such as 108,for communicating data associated with the image data such as an audiotrack, for communicating or coordinating with other display devices, andfor communicating with user interface controls such as 114 for examplethrough a software application running on a phone.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3 aconvenient light source 104 may be one or more lasers which areavailable at sizes less than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse widthof say 50 ns or less, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3.The optics 102 mediate aspects of path, focus, and other opticalproperties of the light. These may be combinations of lenses and filtersor micro mirrors such as a micro mirrors display such as DLP micromirror projector or use a scanning mechanism such as an oscillatingmirror and a rotating shaped mirror. The controller 106 may be acomputer or a micro computer or micro controller typically less than 5cm̂3. The controller 106 controls the light source and optics to positionthe visible light 100 in space. The input data 108 is information andneed not have any physical size. Data on a compact memory card such as amicro SD card are in the region of 25 mm̂3. The viewing medium 112 shouldbe of a size suitable for the image as controlled by the imagecontroller 106. Normal air containing naturally occurring dust motes maybe sufficient, although other natural and artificially created viewingmediums may be used. The light source 104 and optics 102 illustrate thedevice with one light source, which may be remotely located to thecontroller 106. Suitable communication between the controller 106 andeach other controlled component includes wired, direct connection, andwireless communication. The user control 114 may be remotely located tothe controller 106. Suitable communication between the user controls 114and the controller 106 includes wired, direct connection, and wirelesscommunication such as a smart phone application. The outputs 118 mayinclude means for the device 116 to give feedback to the user, such as avisual display screen, status lights, speaker, buzzer, or tactilevibrations. The sensors 118 may include any digital or analogue sensors,such as motion sensors, accelerometers, light sensors, magnetic sensors,radioactivity sensors, electromagnetic sensors, sound sensors, contactsensors, humidity sensors, and capacitive sensors. The sensors 118 mayalso be remote wireless or wired sensors. The sensors 118 used by thecontroller 106 will depend upon the application of the device 116 (forexample is the device 116 intended to make a sound if it is moved?), andthe functionality of the controller 106 (for example is the device 116capable of self calibration?). A suitable data communications connection120 would be over the Internet for example by Wi-Fi.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 3 are thatthe light source 104 is made from LEDs or lasers or other lightingdevice materials such as light bulbs, and the optics 102 can be anysuitable optics components and materials such as glass, plastics, ormirrored material or micro machines with mounting or integratedmaterials for controlling the movement and positioning of the light rays110. Movement of the visible light 100 is made for example by means suchas mechanical, micro-mechanical, and—or electronically controlled wherethe light source 14 and—or optics 12 adjust so that the relativeposition of the visible light 100 can be changed with respect to theposition of the device 22. The controller 106 is a computing devicehoused in a suitable material such as wood, metal or plastic. Thedistance between the optics 102 and the visible light 100 is dependenton the application of the device. The distance between the optics 102and the visible light 100 may be anything from 0.1 mm though is expectedto be in the region of 10 cm for desktop use, 50 cm when the opticsproject the visible light 100 to a near a table or near a floor, 1 to 5m when the optics project the visible light 100 inside a small room. Theviewing medium 112 might be normal air with a normal amount of dustmotes in it. It may also be any medium that creates small reflectiveparticles such as smoke or other particles in Brownian motion, or aclear or semi clear substance with or without particles in suspensionsuch that an observer can see the visible light 10. Outputs 118 wouldtypically be located inside the device 116 enclosure in a manner suchthey the display is understandable by the user, for example a displayscreen can be seen by the user, or a speaker can be heard by the user.Sensors 188 may be enclosed in the device 116 when the sensor types canfunction in an enclosure. Some sensors 118 are of a type that requires aview outside of any device enclosure or to be located semi or completelyexternally to an enclosure, for example a light sensitive sensor. Theuser controls 114 are located so that they are accessible to theoperator. The most convenient data communications connection 120 wouldbe to use Wi-Fi capabilities that were already integrated with thecontroller 106, if they were available, for example when the controller106 is a computer or phone or tablet computer with integrated Wi-Fi orother telecommunications data services.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 4 there is shown a devicefor creating visible light in space 166, having a visible light 150 andmultiple rays of non-visible light 160 intersecting in a viewing medium162. The lighting device consists of optics 152 and a light source 154,with a controller 156, user controls 164, and image data 158.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 4 the visiblelight 150 is located in a suitable viewing medium 162 such as normal airand dust motes. The non-visible rays of light 160 are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is not visible to a normal observer. Whensufficient non-visible intensity light rays combine the constructivenature of light intensity result in light of an intensity that it isvisible, 150. The light source 154 creates light which may be at anon-visible intensity and—or at a visible intensity. The light rays 160leaving the optics 152 are at a non-visible intensity and additionalvisible light may also be present. The controller 156 controls the lightsource 154 and optics 152 and the viewing medium 162. The controller 156can send control signals and receive feedback signals. Image data 158can be input to the controller 156. User controls 164 can adjust aspectsof the light source 154 and optics 152, for example adjust the intensityof specific colors of light of the light rays 160. The light source 154and optics 152 may generate multiple colors of light by the mediation ofthe light source 154 for example by adjusting the frequency or adjustingthe combination of sub light sources in a compound light source, and—orby adjusting the optics 152, for example by using filters.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 4 aconvenient light source 154 may be one or more lasers which areavailable at sizes less than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse widthof say 50 ns or less, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3.The optics 152 mediate aspects of path, focus, and other opticalproperties of the light. These may be combinations of lenses and filtersor micro machines such as DLP micro mirror projectors or use a scanningmechanism such as an oscillating mirror and a rotating shaped mirror.The controller 156 may be a computer or a micro computer or microcontroller typically less than 5 cm̂3. The controller 156 controls thelight sources and optics to position the visible light 150 in space aswell as properties of the viewing medium. The input data 158 is digitalor analogue information and need not have any physical size. Data on acompact memory card such as a micro SD card are in the region of 25 mm̂3.The viewing medium 162 should be of a size suitable for the image ascontrolled by the image controller 156. Normal air containing naturallyoccurring dust motes may be sufficient, although other natural andartificially created viewing mediums may be used for consistency. Thecontroller 156 may control aspects of the viewing medium 162. The lightsource 154 and optics 152 illustrate the device with one light source,which may be remotely located to the controller 156. Suitablecommunication between the controller 156 and each other controlledcomponent includes wired, direct connection, and wireless communication.The user control 164 may be remotely located to the controller 156.Suitable communication between the user controls 164 and the controller156 includes wired, direct connection, and wireless communication suchas a smart phone application.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 4 are thatthe light source 154 is made from LEDs or lasers or other lightingdevice materials such as light bulbs, and the optics 152 can be anysuitable optics components and materials such as glass, plastics, ormirrored material or micro machines with mounting or integratedmaterials for controlling the movement and positioning of the light rays160. Movement of the visible light 150 is made for example by means suchas mechanical, micro-mechanical, and—or electronically controlled wherethe light source 154 and—or optics 152 adjust so that the relativeposition of the visible light 150 can be changed with respect to theposition of the device 166. The controller 156 is a computing devicehoused in a suitable material such as wood, metal or plastic. Thedistance between the optics 152 and the visible light 150 is dependenton the application of the device. The distance between the optics 152and the visible light 150 may be anything from 0.1 mm though is expectedto be in the region of 10 cm for desktop use, 50 cm when the opticsproject the visible light 150 to near a table or near a floor, 1 to 5 mwhen the optics project the visible light 150 inside a small room. Theviewing medium 162 might be normal air with a normal amount of dustmotes in it. It may also be any medium that creates small reflectiveparticles such as smoke or other particles in Brownian motion, or aclear or semi clear substance with or without particles in suspensionsuch that an observer can see the visible light 150.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 5 there is shown a devicefor creating light in space 232 with visible light 210 and multiple raysof non-visible light 220 and 228 in a viewing medium 222. The deviceconsists of more than one optics 212 and 226, and more than one lightsource 214 and 224, with a controller 216, user controls 230, and imagedata 218.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 5 the visiblelight 210 is located in a suitable viewing medium 222 such as normal airand dust motes. The non-visible rays of light 220 and 228 are in thevisible spectrum at an intensity that is not visible to the observer.When sufficient non-visible intensity light rays combine theconstructive nature of light intensity result in light of an intensitythat it is visible, 210. The light sources 214 and 224 create lightwhich may be at a non-visible intensity and—or at a visible intensity.The light rays 220 and 228 leaving the optics 212 and 226 are at anon-visible intensity and additional visible light may also be present.The controller 216 controls the light sources 214 and 224 and optics 212and 226. The controller 216 can send control signals and receivefeedback signals. Image data 218 can be input to the controller 216.User controls 230 can adjust aspects of the light source 214 and 224 andoptics 212 and 226, for example adjust the intensity of specific colorsof light of the light rays 220 and 228. The light source 214 and 224 andoptics 212 and 226 may generate multiple colors of light by themediation of the light source 214 and 224 for example by adjusting thefrequency or adjusting the combination of sub light sources in acompound light source, and—or by adjusting the optics 212 and 226, forexample by using filters. Having more than one optics 212 and 226 andlight sources 214 and 224 allows for sub component light source andoptics pairs to be placed in separate locations.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 5 convenientlight sources 214 and 224 may be lasers which are available at sizesless than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse width of say 50 ns orless, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3. The optics 212and 226 mediate aspects of path, focus, and other optical properties ofthe light. These may be combinations of lenses and filters or micromirror displays such as a DLP micro mirror projector similar to thoseused in video projectors or use a scanning mechanism such as anoscillating mirror and a rotating shaped mirror. The controller 216 maybe a computer the size of a desktop computer or a laptop computer, or amicro computer or micro controller which are typically less than 5 cm̂3.The controller 216 controls the light sources and optics to position thevisible light 210 in space. The input data 218 is information and neednot have any physical size. Data on a compact memory card such as amicro SD card are in the region of 25 mm̂3. The viewing medium 222 shouldbe of a size suitable for the image as controlled by the imagecontroller 216. Normal air containing naturally occurring dust motes maybe sufficient, although other natural and artificially created viewingmediums may also be used. The light sources 214 and 224 and optics 212and 226 illustrate the device with more than one light source, one ormore of which may be remotely located to the others and still create thevisible light 210. Suitable communication between the controller 216 andeach other controlled component includes wired, direct connection, andwireless communication. The user control 230 may be remotely located tothe controller 216. Suitable communication between the user controls 230and the controller 216 includes wired, direct connection, and wirelesscommunication such as a smart phone application. A sub component opticsand light source system working with other components may comprise of anentire system that can work with other entire systems in concert.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 5 are thatthe light sources 214 and 224 are made from LEDs or lasers or otherlighting device materials such as light bulbs, and the optics 212 and226 can be any suitable optics components and materials such as glass,plastics, or mirrored material or micro machines with mounting orintegrated materials for controlling the movement and positioning of thelight rays 220 and 228. A simple construction has the components fixedsuch that the relative position of the visible light 210 is fixed withrespect to the position of the device 232. More sophisticatedconstruction involves movement of the visible light 210 for example bymeans such as mechanical, micro-mechanical, and—or electronicallycontrolled where the light source 214 and 224 and—or optics 212 and 226adjust so that the relative position of the visible light 210 can bechanged with respect to the position of the device 232. The controller216 is a computing device housed in any suitable material such as wood,metal or plastic. The distance between the optics 212 and 226 and thevisible light 210 is dependent on the application of the device. Thedistance between the optics 212 and 226 and the visible light 210 may beanything from 0.1 mm though is expected to be in the region of 10 cm fordesktop use, 50 cm when the optics project the visible light 210 to neara table or near a floor, and 1 to 5 m when the optics project thevisible light 210 inside a small room. The viewing medium 222 might benormal air with a normal amount of dust motes in it. It may also be anymedium that creates small reflective particles such as smoke or otherparticles in Brownian motion, or a clear or semi clear substance with orwithout particles in suspension such that an observer can see thevisible light 210.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 6 there is shown a devicefor creating visible light in space 262, having multiple rays ofnon-visible light 256 intersecting in a viewing medium 260. The lightingdevice 262 consists of optics 252 and a computing device with its ownscreen such as a mobile phone or tablet computer 254, running a softwareapplication 258. An observer perceives visible light in space 250.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 6 the visiblelight 250 is located in a suitable viewing medium 260 such as normal airand dust motes. The non-visible rays of light 256 are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is not visible to the normal observer.When sufficient non-visible intensity light rays combine theconstructive nature of light intensity result in light of an intensitythat it is visible, 250. The light source is a computing device such asa cell phone or tablet computer 254 with its own light generatingcomponents such as a screen. A software application 258 running on thecomputing device 254 creates light on the computing devices screen whichmay be at a non-visible intensity and—or at a visible intensity. Thelight rays 256 leaving the optics 252 are at a non-visible intensity andadditional visible light may also be present. The software application258 may have some user controls, for example to adjust the intensity ofspecific colors of light of the light rays 256 or the perceived image250. The computing device 254 may generate multiple colors of light ifthe screen is capable of generating multiple colors.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 6 aconvenient computing device 254 with an integrated light source may be atablet computer such as an iPad (Apple Inc, California USA), or a mobilephone such as an iPhone (Apple Inc, California USA). The optics 252mediate aspects of path, focus, and other optical properties of thelight. The viewing medium 260 should be of a size suitable for thevisible light image 250. Normal air containing naturally occurring dustmotes may be sufficient, although other natural and artificially createdviewing mediums may be used. The software application 258 would be awareof the geometry and optical properties of the optics and the geometry ofthe display capabilities of the computing device 254. If the computingdevice 254 has a camera that faces the same direction as its display andoptics 252 then the software application 258 may use the camera image assensor input to mediate software functions such as adjusting the lightrays 256 and the visible image 250, as well as take photos and video.The software application 258 may take full advantage of the integratedfacilities of the computing device 254, for example use the motionsensors to respond when the computing device is moved, use a camera todetect movement and take pictures, use audio facilities to generatesound, and use communications capabilities to communicate data.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 6 are that anoptical layer is used as the optics 252 and placed over the screen of acomputing device 254. A simple construction has the optics 252 havefixed focal points and be in the form of an optical layer. The computingdevice 254 may be a tablet computer with a screen display such as aniPad. The optical layer fits the screen side of the tablet computer,covering at least some of the screen. A software application 258illuminates the screen of the device 254 in known positions under theoptics 252 and controls the intensity of the light rays 256. The viewingmedium 18 might be normal air with a normal amount of dust motes in it.It may also be any medium that creates reflective particles such assmoke or other particles in Brownian motion, or a clear or semi clearsubstance with or without particles in suspension such that an observercan see the visible light 250.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 7 there is shown a devicefor creating visible light in space 322, having a visible light 310 andmultiple rays of non-visible and visible light 316 intersecting in aviewing medium 318. The lighting device 322 consists of optics 312 and alight source 314, and user controls 320.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 7 the visiblelight 310 is located in a suitable viewing medium 318 such as normal airand dust motes. There are visible and non-visible rays of light 316. Thenon-visible rays of light in the rays of light 316 are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is not visible to the normal observer. Thevisible rays of light in the rays of light 316 are in the visiblespectrum at an intensity that is visible to the normal observer. Wherethe visible and non-visible intensity light rays combine theconstructive nature of light intensity result in light of an intensitythat it is visible 310 and perceptually different to the visiblecomponent of the light 316. For example if the visible rays of light inthe light 316 is of color Colour 1 made up of the colorsvisible-intensity-Colour 2 and visible-intensity-Colour 3, and thenon-visible light is of color non-visible-intensity-Colour 3, then thevisible rays of light 316 are perceived by an observer as color Colour1, but the intersecting visible light is perceived by an observer ascolor Colour 4 made up of the colors visible-intensity-Colour 2 andvisible-intensity-Colour 3 and non-visible-intensity-Colour 3. Addingmore Colour 3 intensity to Colour 1 makes the visible rays of light 316and the visible intersection of light 310 different colors. The lightsource 314 creates light which may be at a non-visible intensity and—orat a visible intensity. The light rays 316 leaving the optics 312 are acombination of some at a non-visible intensity and some at a visibleintensity. The visible and non-visible components of light in the lightrays 316 are managed by the optics 312 to intersect at the location ofthe visible light 310. User controls 320 can adjust aspects of the lightsource 314 and optics 312, for example adjust the intensity of specificcolors of light of the light rays 316. The light source 314 and optics312 may generate multiple colors of light by the mediation of the lightsource 314 for example by adjusting the frequency or adjusting thecombination of sub light sources in a compound light source, and—or byadjusting the optics 312, for example by using filters.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 7 aconvenient light source 314 may be one or more lasers which areavailable at sizes less than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse widthof say 50 ns or less, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3.The optics 312 mediate aspects of path, focus, and other opticalproperties of the light. These may be combinations of lenses and filtersor micro machines such as DLP micro mirror projectors similar to thoseused in video projectors, or use a scanning mechanism such as anoscillating mirror and a rotating shaped mirror. The viewing medium 318should be of a size suitable for the visible light image 310. Normal aircontaining naturally occurring dust motes may be sufficient, althoughother natural and artificially created viewing mediums may be used.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 7 are thatthe light source 314 is made from LEDs or lasers or other lightingdevice materials such as light bulbs, and the optics 312 can be anysuitable optics components and materials such as glass, plastics, ormirrored material or micro machines with mounting or integratedmaterials for controlling the movement and positioning of the light rays316. A simple construction has the components fixed such that therelative position of the visible light 310 is fixed with respect to theposition of the device 322. More sophisticated construction involvesmovement of the visible light 310 for example by means such asmechanical, micro-mechanical, and—or electronically controlled where thelight source 314 and—or optics 312 adjust so that the relative positionof the visible light 310 can be changed with respect to the position ofthe device 322. The distance between the optics 312 and the visiblelight 310 is dependent on the application of the device. For example thedistance between the optics 312 and the visible light 310 may beanything from 0 mm though is expected to be in the region of 10 cm fordesktop use, 50 cm when the optics project the visible light 310 to neara table or near a floor, 1 to 5 m when the optics project the visiblelight 310 inside a small room. The viewing medium 318 might be normalair with a normal amount of dust motes in it. It may also be any mediumthat creates reflective particles such as smoke or other particles inBrownian motion, or a clear or semi clear substance with or withoutparticles in suspension such that an observer can see the visible light310.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 8 there is shown a devicefor creating visible light in space 362, having a visible light 350 andmultiple rays of non-visible light 356 intersecting in a viewing medium358. The lighting device 362 consists of optics 352 and a light source354, and user controls 360.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 8 the visiblelight 350 is located in a suitable viewing medium 358 such as normal airand dust motes. There are non-visible rays of light 356. The non-visiblerays of light 356 are in the visible spectrum at an intensity that isnot visible to the normal observer. The non-visible rays of light 356are focused by the optics 352. The focal point of the non-visible raysof light 356 is the position of the visible light 350. Where thenon-visible intensity light rays combine the constructive nature oflight intensity result in light of an intensity that it is visible 350.The light source 354 creates light which may be at a non-visibleintensity or a visible intensity. The light rays 356 leaving the optics352 are at a non-visible intensity and some visible intensity light mayalso be present. User controls 320 can adjust aspects of the lightsource 354 and optics 352, for example adjust the intensity of specificcolors of light of the light rays 356 or the focal point. The lightsource 354 and optics 352 may generate multiple colors of light by themediation of the light source 354 for example by adjusting the frequencyor adjusting the combination of sub light sources in a compound lightsource, and—or by adjusting the optics 352, for example by usingfilters.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 8 aconvenient light source 354 may be one or more lasers which areavailable at sizes less than 5 cm̂3, or pulse lasers with a pulse widthof say 50 ns or less, or LEDs that may have a size of less than 5 mm̂3.The optics 532 mediate aspects of path, focus, and other opticalproperties of the light. These may be combinations of lenses and filtersor micro machines such as DLP micro mirror projectors similar to thoseused in video projectors, or use a scanning mechanism such as anoscillating mirror and a rotating shaped mirror. The viewing medium 358should be of a size suitable for the visible light image 350. Normal aircontaining naturally occurring dust motes may be sufficient, althoughother natural and artificially created viewing mediums may be used.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 8 are thatthe light source 354 is made from LEDs or lasers or other lightingdevice materials such as light bulbs, and the optics 352 can be anysuitable optics components and materials such as glass, plastics, ormirrored material or micro machines with mounting or integratedmaterials for controlling the movement and positioning and focal pointof the light rays 356. A simple construction has the components fixedsuch that the relative position of the visible light 350 is fixed withrespect to the position of the device 362. More sophisticatedconstruction involves movement of the visible light 350 for example bymeans such as mechanical, micro-mechanical, and—or electronicallycontrolled focal points where the light source 354 and—or optics 352adjust so that the relative position of the visible light 350 can bechanged with respect to the position of the device 362. The distancebetween the optics 352 and the visible light 350 is dependent on theapplication of the device. For example the distance between the optics352 and the visible light 350 may be anything from 0 mm though isexpected to be in the region of 10 cm for desktop use, 50 cm when theoptics project the visible light 350 to near a table or near a floor, 1to 5 m when the optics project the visible light 350 inside a smallroom. The viewing medium 358 might be normal air with a normal amount ofdust motes in it. It may also be any medium that creates reflectiveparticles such as smoke or other particles in Brownian motion, or aclear or semi clear substance with or without particles in suspensionsuch that an observer can see the visible light 350.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, theability to create visible light that is located in space. Patterns,letters, and images can be created in visible light in one dimension ormultiple dimensions. Further, aspects of the visible light such ascolor, intensity, duration, and position can be controlled. By movingthe light in space an observer can see still or moving images. Furtherthe device creates visible light that does not require visible scanningor positioning or creation beams of light or artifacts. Further thecreation of visible light from non-visible light is quiet. Further, thelight sources in the device require relatively little power, and aresafer for observers to interrupt and be near, compared to relativelyhigh powered light generating devices.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a device that createsvisible light in space without the need for visible beams of light suchas scanning lines or image creation artifacts.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment,method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within thescope and spirit of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A device for forming visible light comprising of: a lightsource, irradiated light rays in the visible spectrum at a non-visibleintensity, and an optics system structured to cause multiple light raysto converge; and in a suitable viewing medium, where the light raystravel and intersect, and when the combined light intensity is above thethreshold for being visible, light is visible to the observer.
 2. Adevice of claim 1, further comprising of a control system, which is aplurality of internal and user controls operative to adjust aspects ofthe light source and or the optics system.
 3. A device of claim 1,wherein the light source comprises of at least one of: a light bulb, alight emitting diode, a laser, electroluminescent material, the displayof a computing device, a flame, and plasma.
 4. A device of claim 1,further comprising of visible irradiated light rays.
 5. A device ofclaim 1, wherein the light source and or the optics system are operativeto adjust mutable aspects of the light rays and visible image includingat least one of: path, position, intersection points, focus,frequency/color, intensity, image, and time sequencing.
 6. A device ofclaim 1, wherein the non visible irradiated light rays have an intensity<=3cd/m² and or <=0.003cd/m².
 7. A device of claim 1, wherein the opticssystem comprises of at least one of: a lense, a filter, a scanningmechanism, a path mechanism, a focus mechanism, a mirror, an oscillatingmirror, a rotating shaped mirror, a micro-machine, a DLP micro mirrorprojector, an analogue component, and a digital component.
 8. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the suitable viewing medium comprises of at leastone of: normal air, air with dust motes, air with added particulates,smoke, gas or liquid, gas or liquid with added particulates, andagitated gas or liquid.
 9. A device of claim 1, wherein there aresub-components with light sources and optical systems that are inmultiple locations.
 10. A device of claim 1, wherein the created visiblelight image is the result of multiple devices, which can operateindependently, working in concert.
 11. A device of claim 4, wherein raysof non visible light are at some wavelengths Lambda 1, and rays ofvisible light are at some wavelengths Lambda 2, causing at the lightrays intersections a different wavelength/color to be visible whenLambda 1 and Lambda 2 are sufficiently different, and an increasedintensity when Lambda 1 and Lambda 2 are sufficiently similar.
 12. Adevice of claim 2, wherein the control system has a programmablecomponent.
 13. A device of claim 2, further comprising of a datacomponent that can receive and store and access image and or sensory andor general data.
 14. A device of claim 2, further comprising of sensorsand outputs.
 15. A device of claim 2 further comprising of a datacommunication system that can do at least one of: communicate over wire,communicate wirelessly, communicate with sub components of the device,communicate with other devices, communicate with a separate remotecontrol system, communicate with a devise able to mediate the viewingmedium, and communicate over the Internet.
 16. A device of claim 14,wherein the output comprises of at least one of: a buzzer, a speaker, avibrator, a visual display, a tactile display, a data channel for dataoutput, and an audio channel for audio data output.
 17. The device ofclaim 14 wherein the control system is operative to calibrate at leastone of: the optics system, the light source, and the visible light. 18.The device of claim 14, wherein the sensors comprise of at least one of:digital sensors, analogue sensors, motion sensors, orientation sensors,acceleration sensors, light sensors, radiation sensors, magneticsensors, electromagnetic sensors, sound sensors, contact sensors,humidity sensors, pressure sensors, stretch sensors, olfactory sensors,and capacitive sensors.
 19. A device for forming visible lightcomprising of: a separate programmable computing device having its owndisplay, that is used as a control system and light source, irradiatedrays of light in the visible spectrum at a non-visible intensity,visible rays of light, and an optics system structured to cause multiplelight rays to converge; and in a suitable viewing medium, where thelight rays travel and intersect, and when the combined light intensityis above the threshold for being visible, light is visible to anobserver.
 20. A device of claim 19, wherein the optics system overlapsthe display of the computing device and software executes on thecomputing device that is aware of the capabilities of the computingdevice and the properties of the optical system.